Tia Louise Parks

Tia Louise Parks of Lakewood, WA passed away on November 26, 2018. She was a loving and cherished daughter, mother, sister, aunt, great-aunt, cousin, niece, and friend, adored by all those who were blessed to have known her.

She was born in Spokane, WA on September 30, 1969 to Sam Parks and Jean Ackerman Labarge, both of whom preceded her in death. Tia grew up in Spokane, moving briefly to California in her early teens with her mother and sister Nancy, before settling in the Tacoma area, where she spent the rest of her life.

Tia's life changed forever on January 17, 1994, when her son Samuel Abraham was born, followed not long after by her daughter Sadie Jean (Sasie) on April 12, 1995. Tia's children were her life, and against challenging odds, she made it her mission to give them a full and wonderful life, rich with blessings, love, and opportunity. She was intensely proud of her children, and was universally regarded among friends and family as an amazing mother.

She worked in many restaurants throughout her career, and was known by customers and co-workers alike as the world's best waitress and bartender. Her customers adored her and looked forward every year to the homemade cookies she would bring them at Christmastime. She was hardworking, reliable, and resilient, as well as kind, warm, funny, generous, and irreverent. There was never a dull moment when Tia was around, and her smile and laughter could light up a room. She loved fiercely, authentically, and with her whole self. When not working, she enjoyed camping, swimming in any willing body of water, and spending time with her family and friends.

Tia is survived by her beloved children, Sam and Sasie Parks; her adoring sisters, Kendra Pieroni, Robin Clover, Nancy Ackerman, Samantha Pitts, Monique Schiff, and Tiffany Parks; her brother Mitch Ackerman, her stepmother Bobbie Parks; her stepbrothers Rod Adams and Craig Wood; nineteen nieces and nephews; five great-nieces and nephews; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Tia was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, stepfather Steve Labarge, niece Elizabeth Clover, stepbrother John Adams, and nephew David Clover.

A private memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 26th at Old St. Peter's Church in Tacoma, Washington.